The Mike Whitaker Memorial Day was a great success all round, not least in the walking hockey section. We had a record 15 players take part, many for the first time. The pitch was extended beyond its usual bounds and then, following a recount and a rethink, it was extended some more.

Fortunately, walking hockey players do not need to partake in end to end action so all was well.

Some of the old hands from the regular Tuesday sessions (13:00, term time, open to anyone 18+, non members welcome) took time to adjust to the bigger format. Most notably, we didn’t have to reach for a new ball when the ball in play sped off the pitch and on to freedom - we had young legs on each team who could go get it back for us.

After an unannounced extension the usual 30 minute game (I was enjoying myself too much to end it on time) we eventually ended with a golden goal finale (walking hockey players don’t really keep score, or maybe can’t remember it) which, at long last, ended the fun and we all repaired to the BBQ to reminisce about the good old days (the sausages were excellent).